Daily review 01/11/2022

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, November 1st, 2022 - 43 comments
Categories: Daily review - Tags:

Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

43 comments on “Daily review 01/11/2022 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Muttonbird 1
    1 November 2022 at 6:50 pm

    I always like to boil down political positions to the reduced, or purest, form.

    The bespoke anti-Three Waters mayoral taskforce announced by mayors Brown Wayne and Major Phil boils down to this:

    Three Waters, yes ok, but without the Murrays, please!

    • tinderdry6 1.1
      1 November 2022 at 7:23 pm

      I disagree.

      From the summary on Stuff:

      "A key feature of their plan for regional water organisations is that they would be owned and governed by the participating councils, with co-governance to be determined by each body."

      "The new plan would allow regions to decide how big their new entities would be, rather than the four regional entities proposed nationwide."

      “The new proposal would maintain crucial aspects of central government’s existing plan, including the new water regulator, Taumata Arowai, while maintaining local ownership, control and accountability and allowing for meaningful roles for mana whenua,” the Brown and Mauger said in a statement."

      IMHO, the proposals represent a decent attempt to circumvent the most contentious areas of the current 3Waters proposals, while maintaining explicit support for iwi mana whenua involvement.

      • Anker 1.1.1
        1 November 2022 at 7:50 pm

        Agree Tinderdry66. Far better than creating four separate entities.

        • SPC 1.1.1.1
          1 November 2022 at 8:46 pm

          "The new plan would allow regions to decide how big their new entities would be, rather than the four regional entities proposed nationwide."

          • Ad 1.1.1.1.1
            1 November 2022 at 9:37 pm

            Regions being Auckland and Canterbury.

            Jesus people figure it out.

            The only people who can ever be trusted to keep water assets in local control is local Maori.

            Over a century pakeha local government politicians shifted from pastoral colonisers to commercial privatisers and did the same thing over and over again with different descriptors and same results.

            • tinderdry6 1.1.1.1.1.1
              1 November 2022 at 10:15 pm

              "Regions being Auckland and Canterbury."

              Opposition to the governments 4 entity proposal is far wider spread that just Auckland and Canterbury.

            • Shanreagh 1.1.1.1.1.2
              1 November 2022 at 10:37 pm

              I agree Ad. The proposal is for 'watered down' Maori representation because they would be the most likely to question our current extractive model and the most likely to seek more appropriate ways forward to protect water as a taonga.

              We have done appallingly badly under majority (white) council control. A whirl at full co-governance can't be any worse and would probably be better. I've had experience in land and health where better decisions were made once we got participation and involvement from Maori.

              Yes so more like status quo with no Murrays.

      • RosieLee 1.1.2
        1 November 2022 at 8:32 pm

        Follow the money.

      • Mac1 1.1.3
        1 November 2022 at 9:01 pm

        "with co-governance to be determined by each body."

        What does that mean exactly from the Stuff summary?

        Does it mean what Muttonbird 'suggests'- "without the Murrays?"

        Apart from that somewhat important question. what councils have discussed the 3 Waters issue and agreed a position such as proposed by three Mayors acting without consulting their councils?

        Where are the local authorities really with this issue?

        I am seeing a very unrealistic scenario being proposed- these mayors are saying reluctantly there are problems with the three waters but want central government taxpayer money to fix the problems themselves which they themselves have not dealt with up till now. They want the money but still want control of the assets and the government money but no recognition of the duty of government firstly to see the needed reforms are actually implemented properly and quickly without undue influence by vested interests, and secondly to see that government funds are spent properly.

        • tinderdry6 1.1.3.1
          1 November 2022 at 9:23 pm

          "What does that mean exactly from the Stuff summary?"

          It means what it says. Each entity will decide, the proposed structure allows for "meaningful roles for mana whenua".

          " what councils have discussed the 3 Waters issue and agreed a position such as proposed by three Mayors acting without consulting their councils?"

          The proposal was put to the public yesterday. It is a proposal of the mayors of Auckland and Christchurch as an alternative to the government plans. They are "seeking further support over how local body water supply operations should be reformed." This would seem a sensible approach.

          "Where are the local authorities really with this issue?"

          With 3Waters? There has been vocal and widespread opposition across the country to the current government proposals. These have come not only from councils, but in some cases iwi.

          "these mayors are saying reluctantly there are problems with the three waters but want central government taxpayer money to fix the problems themselves which they themselves have not dealt with up till now."

          The debate is not over whether there are problems, but the best way to resolve them. The government proposals assume local councils should give up effective control over substantial assets their ratepayers have funded, and the revenue stream those assets currently generate. It is hardly surprising the proposals have come up against substantial opposition.

          • Ad 1.1.3.1.1
            1 November 2022 at 9:28 pm

            Te Tauihu only opposed the boundary, not the plan itself.

            The faster local government is stripped of water management the better.

            Every single part of water management in New Zealand is getting rapidly worse, apart from the bits where government has thrown hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars at it.

            • tinderdry6 1.1.3.1.1.1
              1 November 2022 at 10:09 pm

              I don't see any advantage in removing control of the assets from the people who have funded them. The best way to resolve the current issues are more local representation, not less.

              • Ad …
                2 November 2022 at 6:30 am

                You need to go back to the purpose and objective of the reforms in the first place and what caused them.

                Also remember that there is very little removal of control from 'the people' because no one elects the water entity boards at the moment. At Watercare the board is simply 'refreshed' in a glacial process in which outside consultants from Sheffield vet a tiny number of applicants to the Board.

                There is no control by the Council about how it is run – other than at budget time when there is an in-council consultation about price and its cumulative effect with rates.

                Otherwise Watercare and the other major entities are their own kingdoms who have reduced us all from citizens to customers.

                Which was the intent of the legislation when water entities were corporatised by National in the first place in the early 1990s.

                • tinderdry6 …
                  2 November 2022 at 9:11 am

                  The main reason reform is necessary is because central government have failed to match population growth (driven by its own policies) with infrastructure investment. The question is not the need for reform; the question is what is the best vehicle for delivering that reform?

                  On the issue of accountability, I disagree. In Auckland, Watercare is a COO directly accountable to an elected governing body of councillors. The poor performance of some of our COO's (e.g. AT) was a significant issue in the recent elections. That is a very different proposition to what the current government proposal looks like.

      • Ad 1.1.4
        1 November 2022 at 9:25 pm

        IMHO there are few councils who have decent Maori relationships and fewer who manage water competently.

        Does anyone know where Auckland's water increasingly comes from? Not Auckland Council or Watercare who repeatedly showed they had no idea how to plan for water supply. It comes from the Waikato River, manager by an iwi partnership with the Waikato people.

        Check out two entities with terrible iwi relationships: Wellington and Canterbury. They are also two of the very worst performers for water management in stormwater and wastewater.

        The entities who benefit from the Auckland and Canterbury proposals are the richest and most powerful local government entities in New Zealand. Not the small ones.

        Sure they may well just fix a holding pattern before the Dec 2023 election. My bet is they will lose, and the new Labour led government will just roll over them like the toxic fucking bugs they are.

      • Ad 1.1.5
        1 November 2022 at 9:32 pm

        It means Canterbury and Auckland get to dictate whatever they want.

        Auckland has a minor extension to take the whole of Waikato, Canterbury takes Waimakariri and up to Nelson, and of course Christchurch Holding Company accidentally wipes out Dunedin Council as it's been angling to do for years (check out their move to build a competing airport in Tarras and eradicate QLDC airport).

        It's the bog basic kingdom-building that Watercare have been lobbying for ever since Mark Ford was in power.

        • tinderdry6 1.1.5.1
          1 November 2022 at 11:09 pm

          "It means Canterbury and Auckland get to dictate whatever they want."

          Under the current proposals, Auckland would have a minority vote on the new northern entity when it is likely contribute more than 90% of the assets. How is that fair?

          • Ad 1.1.5.1.1
            2 November 2022 at 6:24 am

            You really want to fly an argument as weak as 'fairness' about Auckland and water resource allocation?

            Go for it.

            • tinderdry6 1.1.5.1.1.1
              2 November 2022 at 8:57 am

              How is it fair that an entity contributing 90% of the assets has a minority vote?

              • Shanreagh …
                3 November 2022 at 11:30 am

                Wellington Water has operated on a one council one vote for its current water entity. As I said the sky has not fallen down.

                I thought Auckland had a water entity? Does it only cover Auckland? How does it then manage to get water from the Waikato?

                While Auckland may have contributed assets it will have by far the greatest call on the work of the new organisation by dint of its population. How are you marrying this in? So we get to starve the regions again without a coordinated approach to water.

                I don’t really get this ‘wah, wah only one vote’ when we are moving to a new age, stage and hopefully better way of managing water. How would you plan this to give mana Whenua a fair deal? Would they be given an extra vote as well?

                • tinderdry6 …
                  3 November 2022 at 4:04 pm

                  "I thought Auckland had a water entity?"

                  Auckland's water entity is Watercare, which is currently investing around $1.2bm of ratepayers money into the central interceptor project.

                  "Does it only cover Auckland?"

                  Yes.

                  "How does it then manage to get water from the Waikato?"

                  The Waikato river is as little as 3km from Auckland. Auckland gets about 1/3 of its water from the Waikato, which is a more environmentally acceptable solution than building more catchment.

                  "While Auckland may have contributed assets it will have by far the greatest call on the work of the new organisation by dint of its population."

                  That's irrelevant. The opening ownership/control should reflect the assets introduced.

                  "How are you marrying this in?"

                  Easy. The larger number of users in Auckland will pay the largest amount toward ongoing supply.

                  "I don’t really get this ‘wah, wah only one vote’ "

                  You might if you were an Auckland ratepayer who has been paying for the assets Auckland has accumulated.

                  • Shanreagh …
                    3 November 2022 at 7:19 pm

                    Our regional grouping works very well in Wellington and it is but a short step to involving mana Whenua in a greater role.

                    I don't recall there was an outcry about assets when WCC joined all of the others as the point was to bring to the grouping what we could and make a paln to do better. This is basically that is at the heart of Three Waters, to have a forward thinking way of doing it better.

                    With Auckland having a majority of votes won't this defeat the whole idea of Three waters where cooperation and a new approach is key? So wouldn't Auckland just defeat any moves that meant other areas got to have their possibly more pressing needs looked at?

                    What would happen if Auckland did not get to swamp all the votes?

                    Wouldn't the group be able to act on fixing and investing in the areas that needed this as a matter of urgency?

                    NB I still think this is an ill-concealed ruse to knock out co-governance.

                    • tinderdry6 …
                      3 November 2022 at 8:06 pm

                      "With Auckland having a majority of votes won't this defeat the whole idea of Three waters where cooperation and a new approach is key?"

                      No. It simply reflects the reality of the ratio of assets introduced. There is also the reality that the largest entity will contribute the most revenue. It's simple fairness.

                      The idea of councils handing billions of dollars of assets over to central government with virtually no say in how they are to be run was never a sensible notion.

                    • Shanreagh …
                      3 November 2022 at 9:12 pm

                      So wouldn't Auckland just defeat any moves that meant other areas got to have their possibly more pressing needs looked at?

                      What would happen if Auckland did not get to swamp all the votes?

                      You did not comment on these questions and I have no doubt that this is what will happen to the local authorities unlucky enough to have to share one of the new entities with Auckland. I mean a city that can elect an ageing Trump look alike/act alike is hardly going to turn around and play nicely in the sandpit with the others are they?

                      How would you make your system far to the others who may actually have more pressing needs than Auckland's

      • Shanreagh 1.1.6
        1 November 2022 at 10:30 pm

        I actually thought it watered down the proposed co-governance role.

        Some Councils have poor representation of Iwi Maori. Perhaps if the suggestion is adopted the co-governance could be stipulated by Govt rather than by each region. I think leaving it to regions would mean we still have the patchy co-governance that exists at the moment and no improvement on the horizon.

        Not sure that regions would be any less expensive to run than 4 bigger entities.

        • tinderdry6 1.1.6.1
          1 November 2022 at 11:01 pm

          The co-governance issue is a red herring IMHO that has been misused by critics as a stick to beat the 3waters proposals with. I'm more concerned with the inequity of ratepayers losing control over billions of dollars worth of assets. and having even less accountability for the delivery of water services than they do now. In the case of Auckland ratepayers, that means we end up with ” having only a minority vote on the new northern entity when it is likely contribute more than 90% of the assets”. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/130328610/government-open-to-change-as-coalition-of-mayors-pushes-new-vision-for-water-reforms

          • Shanreagh 1.1.6.1.1
            2 November 2022 at 6:22 pm

            Not a red herring for me.

            In Wellington our water went from the direct control of Council years ago. so that horse has bolted. As far as I am aware this has not caused the sky to fall in though the entity is plagued by the results of same sorts of underinvestment that plagued the Council when water was under its direct control. So direct Council control = fail

            CCO water entity = fail

            We have nothing to lose and everything to gain with a new look and way of dealing with water. Outmoded models are just that – outmoded

              • Shanreagh …
                3 November 2022 at 11:26 am

                As I said. CCO with 7 shareholding entities ie no council has direct control. Many/most people don't think of them as being run by WCC and so a move onto another mode particularly one that gave mana whenua a greater say may be easier to achieve than going from an individual Council owned water supply to Three Waters. We dealt with the concept that our water/infrastructure was going to have to be shared years ago.

                WCC has no greater right or say than South Wairarapa District Council. Perhaps as test run this model could be augmented by having an equal number of Mana Whenua. Three Waters could go ahead with all of the CCO water entities by giving mana Whenua equal shares. I'd have no problem with this as a half way house.

                Leaving it up to places like AKL would mean poor representation from Mana Whenua, I am picking, if left to their own devices. If they are bucking at 50% for a Treaty partner that is an equal partner in the Treaty then it is only going to be a minority.

                • tinderdry6 …
                  3 November 2022 at 4:12 pm

                  "As I said. CCO with 7 shareholding entities ie no council has direct control."

                  Of course Council's have control. Read the links.

                  "Leaving it up to places like AKL would mean poor representation from Mana Whenua, I am picking, if left to their own devices. If they are bucking at 50% for a Treaty partner that is an equal partner in the Treaty then it is only going to be a minority."

                  I think you need to make up your mind what 3waters is trying to achieve. I am looking at this from the perspective of finding the best resolution to the current problems, which are the result of decades of underinvestment in infrastructure. If you want to argue the case for incorporating treaty partnership at the governance and/or management level of service delivery, then that's an entirely different conversation.

                  • Shanreagh …
                    3 November 2022 at 7:30 pm

                    If you want to argue the case for incorporating treaty partnership at the governance and/or management level of service delivery, then that's an entirely different conversation.

                    Ummmm Zooooom.

                    Involving the Treaty partner is one of the reasons for having the co-governance proposals.

                    underinvestment in infrastructure.

                    On the basis that all legislation is deemed to be remedial then this is one of the most cogent arguments to amalgamating into entities that can invest, be forward-looking. There are infrastructure replacements that will cost $M and also increasing safety concerns with the current arrangements. And dare I say it cut it loose from all the bickering that is part of the local body circuit.

                    Three Waters is all about looking to the future, the expensive future when much of the infrastructure needs to be replaced. It also gave a chance for the Crown to honour the Treaty and to give its Treaty partner, for whom water is a taonga and not merely an extractive resource, a chance and stake in the future of the country.

                    ETA. My point was that WCC does not have a casting vote or extra votes on Wellington Water. The model works on and with a board of directors and the voting on this is not weighted by Council. It is this aspect I was trying to tease out as being different to your propsal to give Auckland the majority of votes on the new three waters entity. I was alsi trying to say that this has not had repercussions here in Wellington.

                    We have tried the joint model for 6-8 years, it has worked well. We need huge investment in the future in many water areas in our region. So Three Waters is a way to plan for the future.

                    • tinderdry6 …
                      3 November 2022 at 8:13 pm

                      3Waters is an attempt to solve an infrastructure deficit, but it is a flawed model. It essentially shifts the governance and management of a critical natural resource from locally controlled entities to centrally controlled and largely unaccountable entities. It is inequitable to ratepayers who have paid for the assets transferred. And in amongst all of that, the cost of establishing this proposed model could be better invested in actually fixing the infrastructure deficit.

  4. SPC 4
    1 November 2022 at 9:14 pm

    Polls show Netanyahu within reach of a majority – after a deal with this extremist right wing group.

    https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/30/religious-zionism-israel-far-right-different/

    It's a prospect designed to divide the alternative – those united against his return to leadership. Some will break to keep this extreme right wing group from place in government.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63458903

  5. Ad 5
    1 November 2022 at 9:16 pm

    "Elections suck. Elections are for losers. Elections should be disregarded."

    Maddow is on point with the far right Steve Bannon triumphalising Bolsonaro as another far right election denier.

    (339) Maddow: Trump, Acolytes Are Working To Turn Republicans Against Elections (And Succeeding) – YouTube

    Democracy is in retreat the world over and the best response by the left must be active participation in all its forms.

  6. roblogic 6
    1 November 2022 at 10:30 pm

    Losing respect for JBP – his comments on psychology were insightful (pre his near death episode), but he's reverting to more and more BS lately. There's an interview with JBP, Jonathan Pageau and a Muslim imam where JBP indulges in sophistry in an attempt to appear deep. And another where JBP blames the economic woes of the UK on environmentalists rather than the austerity policies of the egregious Tories. Pathetic stuff.

    https://twitter.com/thebadstats/status/1567519037797826561?s=20&t=O9hE0anj4fMe3RvRdfORYA

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T15:29:00+00:00